The independent Judicial Officer, Roger Morris (Wales), heard evidence and submissions from Youngs, who accepted that he committed an act of foul play, from the Leicester Tigers Chief Executive, Simon Cohen, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

In upholding the citing complaint, the Judicial Officer found that Youngs had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card. He determined that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby's sanctions and selected two weeks as the appropriate entry point.

He reduced the sanction by one week due to the player's clean disciplinary record, expression of remorse, good character and good conduct during the hearing before imposing a suspension of one week.

Youngs is free to play on Monday, 1 February 2016. Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.
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Maselino Paulino suspended for three weeks

The Scarlets player, Maselino Paulino, has been suspended for three weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing today (Wednesday, 27 January 2016).

Paulino was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Yves Thieffine (France), for striking the Northampton Saints second row, Courtney Lawes, in the 49th minute of the European Rugby Champions Cup Round 6 match at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday, 23 January 2016 in contravention of Law 10.4 (a).

Paulino was shown a yellow card for the incident by match referee, Pascal Gauzere (France).

The independent Judicial Officer, Jeremy Summers (England), heard evidence and submissions from Paulino, who pleaded guilty to the charge, from the Scarlets Team Manager, Garan Evans, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

In upholding the citing complaint, the Judicial Officer found that Paulino had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card. He determined that the offence was at the mid-range of World Rugby's sanctions and selected five weeks as the appropriate entry point.

He reduced the sanction by two weeks due to the player's timely guilty plea, expression of remorse and good conduct at the hearing before imposing a suspension of three weeks.

Paulino is free to play on Monday, 15 February 2016. Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.